Fujifilm X-T30 Review and X-T30 II Update
Fuji X-T30 Review and X-T30 II Update
Thanks to Leo’s Camera Supply in Vancouver for making the Fujifilm Fujifilm X-T30 available to me for my review. I was able to try it for a few hours during one of my street photography workshops.
A participant in my workshop had just purchased the Fujifilm X-T30 and wanted to learn more about the settings. This was a great excuse for me to get more familiar with the X-T30.
Fujifilm X-T History
When the X-T10 was released in May 2015 it was a welcomed addition to the Fujifilm X Series family as a smaller sibling to the X-T1, packing a decent punch and good looks. This has pretty much been the formula for the X-T10, X-T20, and X-T30 series ever since.
The Fujifilm X-T20 came along in January of 2017 and I purchased a copy of the X-T20 in May 2017 as a backup to my Fujifilm X-Pro2 and dedicated the camera to video. The video specs were improved to 4K at 30 fps. Affordability has been key and the cameras have featured impressive specs, only slightly disadvantaged to the X-T1, X-T2, and Fujifilm X-T3 cameras.
Fujifilm X-T30 with the XF 35mm f/2 R WR showing the articulating screen
Handling
The first thing I noticed was the missing D-pad on the back of the camera, a first for me with the Fujifilm X Series. Navigation of menus and selection of focus points are now done with the joystick. I was surprised at how quickly I adjusted to this and could not believe I did not miss the D-Pad.
My street photography workshop participant, however, quite often inadvertently hit the joystick and moved the focus point to the side of the focusing area.
The X-T30 body feels solid and the texture of the rubber on the back assures that you have a good grip on the camera. I tested it with an XF 35mm f/2 R WR which I found to be a great match for the camera.
This size lens is ideal for the smaller Fujifilm X-T30 body and I believe any of the f/2 primes, would thrive nicely on the X-T30.
I think the larger primes and zoom lenses in the X Series would be disproportionate to the X-T30. Space is somewhat limited for function buttons. I found the Fn button by the shutter release button a bit hard to get to.
The diopter dial and view mode selectors are well-placed by the EVF and I did not have any issues bumping them out of place inadvertently. The SD card slot is placed on the bottom of the camera beside the battery. I prefer it at the side of the camera but space constraints must have made this impossible.
Fujifilm X-T30 in Action
Coming from an X-Pro2 and X-H1 you instantly notice the smaller EVF but again it was amazing how quickly I adapted to the Fujifilm X-T30. I found it a joy to shoot with. It has a pronounced shutter sound which I really liked. I found the autofocus speed more than adequate.
We were doing street photography and I didn’t really push the camera to its limits. The Fujifilm X-T30 shoots up to 8 fps or 20 fps. with the electronic shutter and share the impressive autofocus features with the Fujifilm X-T3.
Rear LCD on the Fujifilm X-T30
Fujifilm X-T30 vs. X-T3
I tested the Fujifilm X-T3 a couple of weeks prior to this review and would almost say that I got on with the X-T30 better from the get-go. Perhaps it has something to do with expectations and price points. The X-T30 felt better in my hand and paired with the XF 35mm f/2 R WR it felt snappy and very capable.
The Fujifilm X-T30 weighs in at 383 g, 13.5 oz, and the X-T3 at 539 g, 19 oz. Weight and size differences are significant but they both fall into the smaller spectrum of cameras in my mind.
You could carry either camera for a full day of shooting and not feel much of a difference.
The cameras are targeted at different audiences and although they share the same 26.1-megapixel sensor and Quad-Core X Processor 4, it would be a mistake not to point out some of the most significant differences. First of all price point; As of September 2020, the X-T30 retails at 899.00 and the X-T3 at $999.00.
The overall build quality is certainly better for the X-T3. It feels more rugged, has a designated ISO dial, and is weather-sealed whereas the X-T30 is not. The X-T3 has dual card slots which are important if you are a pro shooter.
The X-T3 has a deeper grip and you can mount a vertical grip for added battery life, and handling of the larger primes and zoom lenses will be much improved.
You can check out my full X-T3 review here:
Fujifilm X-T30 Image Quality
The X-T30 shares the X-Trans IV 26.1-megapixel sensor with the X-T3. On paper, this is as good as it gets for APS-C sensors at this point in time. When I tested the X-T3 a couple of weeks ago I was not sure if I really liked the look of the new files.
I would have to say with this second round of testing of the X-Trans IV sensor, I am warming up to it. I would like to stress this was a limited test and this time I decided to edit the files in Lightroom instead of Capture One Express.
Conclusion
As a travel camera, this would be an ideal choice due to the small size, lightweight, and affordable price point. It does lack a few of the bells and whistles offered on the X-T3 and the aggressive pricing of the X-T3 as of September 2020 makes the X-T3 a no-brainer in the Fujifilm X Series lineup.
The X-T30 has an impressive feature set including top-notch autofocus, the latest X-Trans IV sensor, and a more than adequate 8 fps. shooting rate. If you like the features and size of the X-T30 I would encourage you to perhaps look for one on the used market.
As an enthusiast or beginner, this camera should be a very attractive option. If you are a pro shooter and demand more of your gear it gets more complicated.
I had to return my X-T20 after only a week as the shutter failed. I returned the camera and received a full refund. This could happen to any camera and perhaps it is not fair to fault the X-T20 or X-T30 as a whole.
This incident, however, gave me a chance to pause and I decided not to get another X-T20 at the time as I realized the demands I have called for a more rugged camera. I also use my camera on a daily basis and I appreciate a better-built quality.
When headed out in the rain, or snow, or for a hike in dry dusty conditions it is good to know the camera is weather-sealed. Although I initially got along better with the X-T30 out of the gate, I would still pick the X-T3 given the choice between the two.
Pros
Best (at the time) APS-C sensor in an affordable, yet powerful package
Compact and lightweight
Would make a great travel camera
Cons
Only one card slot
Small EVF
Update September 2021:
Fujifilm has now released a successor to the X-T30, the Fujifilm X-T30 II. The newer camera receives only minor upgrades and looks identical to the X-T30. Look out for the following new features in the X-T30 II:
The X-T30 II has a new 1.62-million-dot rear LCD screen, an upgrade from 1.04-million-dots on the X-T30
The X-T30 II focuses down to -7EV, an upgrade from -3EV on the X-T30
The X-T30 II now shoots full HD 1080p/240p high-speed video
The camera gets two new film simulations, the Cassic Neg. and Eterna Bleach Bypass
Price / Availability
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Fujifilm X-T30 II
Fujifilm X-T30, Sample Images
Below are a few sample images taken on a cloudy early fall day in Vancouver. Processed in Adobe Lightroom. Some images are slightly cropped and on some of the images, I used Fujifilm film simulations, such as Classic Chrome and Acros.
Please click to view larger images.
Fujifilm X Series Camera Reviews
Fujifilm X-Pro3
Fujifilm X-Pro2
Fujifilm X-Pro1
Fujifilm X-T5 - First Impressions
Fujifilm X-T4
Fujifilm X-T3
Fujifilm X-S20
Fujifilm X-S10
Fujifilm X-T30
See all of my reviews at a glance: Camera Reviews - Archives
